DENVER (AP) Colorado Rockies pitcher Jair Jurrjens was taken to a nearby hospital for tests after developing breathing problems soon after being removed from Friday night's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Jurrjens pitched into the fifth inning in his season debut, allowing eight runs on 12 hits and taking the loss in the Dodgers' 9-0 win. Shortly after being replaced by reliever Chad Bettis, he encountered what the team described as ''breathing issues.'' Though the problems dissipated, the Rockies had him taken to the hospital.

Rockies spokesman Nick Piburn said Jurrjens ''seemed to be fine but they wanted to have him checked out.''